Chely Wright GLAAD Media Award Nomination

Chely Wright Earns Nomination for 2013 GLAAD Media Awards for Documentary. Country singer, Chely Wright, has earned a GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Award nomination in the Outstanding Documentary category. The documentary in question, Wish Me Away, takes a look at her life and her decision to come out as openly gay and be the first country music artist to do so. You can watch the trailer below! Wright also currently has an autobiography out as well titled “Like Me.” In 2011, Chely married her partner Lauren Bitzer. The winners of the GLADD Awards will be announced March 16 in New York and at ceremonies in April and May in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Wish Me Away Documentary Trailer.

Luke Bryan 2013 Dirt Road Diaries Tour New Dates

Luke Bryan Announces Second Leg of 2013 Dirt Road Diaries Tour After Selling Out First Leg! In October of last year, Luke Bryan made a huge announcement and let fans know he would be launching his first ever headlining tour the 2013 Dirt Road Diaries Tour! If anyone had any doubt as to whether this country singer could pack a stadium, they can doubt no more. Bryan has added a complete second leg to the tour that will run from May 17th through October 26th as he has completely sold out the originally scheduled first leg! This is really big news for a first time headliner, but we can’t say that we’re surprised (It’s no secret Luke is one of our favorites!). Bryan wants fans to know that whether you see him on the first leg or the second leg, you’re guaranteed a heck of show! “I feel like I have waited a lifetime to take my own show on the road. The band and I have a lot of exciting things in store for the fans and are eager to get it started!” -Luke Bryan Opening guests Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square who kicked of the first leg of the Dirt Road Diaries will stay on for the newly added dates! In between tour dates though, you can catch Luke co-hosting the 2013 ACM Awards with Blake Shelton! Current Luke Bryan Tours and Tickets

Easton Corbin All Over The Road Single Review

Single Review: Easton Corbin All Over The Road, Has It Got The Staying Power? I have to say apart from “Lovin’ You Is Fun” I had never really listened to Easton Corbin. So when I first heard this song, I was bowled over by how purely 90s it sounded (I’d like to clarify that I mean that positively!) Although I don’t listen to any particular artists from the 90s, sometimes I put on 90s country internet radio just to relax with, and if I had heard this song play on it, I wouldn’t have been any the wiser. Easton’s voice has that tonal quality to it, and the production that surrounds it, to make it a real tribute to that sound from 20 years ago. Tribute to 90’s Country, but Modern Too. However, despite the musical era it’s rooted in, there are elements of modernity. For example, the guitar solo reminds me of the songs of some of the biggest stars in Nashville right now. When the final chorus kicks in, the instrumentation is suddenly stripped back to the acoustic guitar playing a melody-based pattern, something which has often been used and is very effective. As expected, the drums then kick in, and the steel guitar and other instruments join it to complete the song as it began. Relaxing Quality But Is That Enough? As a song it’s fairly simple, it’s foot-tapping, head-bobbing, and is perfect for the car radio, or perhaps a bar. However, the beat is slower than other songs of its type, and doesn’t encourage liveliness. Rather, it’s a cheerful, fun song that asks you to chill with a beer for a bit. The melody is simple and easy to sing along to, there’s not a huge range of notes, and it perfectly functions as something to have on while you’re relaxing. Lyrically it repeats a lot of the ideas recycled again and again in country music, about driving with his girl, getting a little frisky, high on life, and not being able to wait until he can get her home. May Not Have Staying Power. This is well and good and I like the song, but it’s not a song I can get very excited about. It doesn’t hit me in any sort of which way, and unfortunately, it feels a little average. Songs to ‘have on in the background’ aren’t necessarily the ones to stick around. ‘Lovin’ You Is Fun’ Easton’s previous release, did so well because it had that catchy hook. Whilst this song has kind of catchy elements, it blends into the wallpaper of country music far more, and I fear it will get lost among the rest. I think it will do fairly well in the charts because Easton’s star is growing, particularly after his previous single being the 8th top selling country song in all of 2012 (according to Billboard’s end of year charts), but it won’t be one that people remember particularly, not as far as I can see. Looking Continue reading Easton Corbin All Over The Road Single Review

Giveaway: Gary Allan Set You Free Album

Enter to Win A Signed Copy of Gary Allan’s Set You Free Album! Gary Allan will be releasing his brand new album Set You Free next Tuesday, January 22nd, and we have your chance to win a signed copy! The album features his hit single (certified gold!) “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” the success of which, Allan recently told the Kansas City Star, took him by surprise. “It’s the fastest song we’ve ever had. We’re feeling really blessed. You just don’t see things like this in this business anymore.” -Gary Allan Maybe you don’t see things like that (such quick rising singles…) happening in the business anymore, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise when we’re dealing with such a talented singer, songwriter and musician. Besides the hit “Every Storm,” there are 11 additional tracks that are just as well written, relatable and powerful (stay tuned for a full review!). Trust me, this is one album you’re going to want to take the time to listen to. Find details on how you can win a signed copy below! Next up, Allan will be performing various dates over the next few months. Find dates and ticket info below! Win a Signed Copy of Gary Allan’s Set You Free! Step 1: (If you aren’t already!) Follow us on Twitter: @CMNBlog Step 2: Send out the following tweet: “I entered to win a signed copy of Gary Allan’s “Set You Free” from @CMNBlog and you can too! Go here: http://ow.ly/gVUFP #CountryMusic” Step 3: When we receive you’re tweet, you will automatically be entered to win! Important Details: Winners will be randomly selected and notified individually via Twitter. Prizes were provided by MCA Nashville. Tweets must be received by Friday, January 25th. Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one.

Sunny Sweeny ACM Awards Video Message

Sunny Sweeney Tells Fans to ‘Click The Box” In Special ACM Awards Video Message! Around here at CMNB headquarters we love some Sunny Sweeney, and the talented country singer made our day with a very funny video she released earlier. Sweeney just wants to encourage folks to vote for her for the 2013 ACM Awards Female Newcomer category, and she found a really amusing way to get that message across! She gets major, major props for creativity, for sure! Watch the video below and then head on over to the ACM page to vote. Voting is open from Monday, January 21st to February 4th! Sunny Sweeney Says Just ‘Click the Box’.

Scotty McCreery Launches First Ever Headlining Tour

Scotty McCreery Launches His First Ever Headlining Tour for 2013! It’s only been a little under two years since Scotty McCreery won American Idol, but he’s already prepared to strike out completely on his own! The country music newbie will be launching his first ever headlining tour in just under a month! The Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013 is sponsored by humanitarian organization World Vision, and will kick off on February 14th in Bethlehem, PA making stops in 25 different cities. McCreery is quick to acknowledge the stars that have helped him get where is right now, and also wants fans to know that he has a lot in store for them. “I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of great cities over the last year with Brad Paisley and some other great country artists. This time I get to play some new places with a show that’s all my own. I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’ve lined up for them on my Weekend Roadtrip Tour 2013.” -Scotty McCreery The still-new-to-college student has been balancing his career with his studies, and so the tour’s name shouldn’t come as a surprise! “Right now, I’m balancing my music career with my second semester at North Carolina State University. I go to school early in the week and get to play my music every weekend. So, calling this tour the Weekend Roadtrip Tour just made sense. Plus, what college student doesn’t love a good roadtrip?” -Scotty McCreery I have a feeling that there are a whole lot of Scotty McCreery fans that are going to be over the moon about this tour! If you’re one of them, let us know by commenting below!

2013 CMA Fest Performers Line Up

First Round of Performers Confirmed for 2013 CMA Music Festival Line Up! The tickets have been all sale for over six months now, but the CMA Music Festival has just now started to trickle out the line up for 2013! So far confirmed for the 2013 CMA Fest line up we have Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town. This concert event is one of THE most exciting for country music fans all year long, and with this four confirmed so far, we’re confident that the 2013 CMA Fest is on the track to be just as amazing if not better than the previous years! This year’s fest will take place June 6-9! Check back with us as the list of performers grow, and be sure to find us on Twitter and Faceook! Tell Us: Who else do you want to see on that list? Comment below! Carrie Underwood Talks CMA Fest.

Blake Shelton Announces 2013 Ten Times Crazier Tour

Blake Shelton To Kick Off 2013 Ten Times Crazier Tour in July! Thankfully Blake Shelton has not given all his time over to his new gig, mentoring on The Voice, as the country singer has just announced his brand new 2013 Ten Times Crazier Tour! Kicking off on July 19th in Virginia Beach the tour will hit stops all over the U.S. through October (so far)! I guess since Miranda is hittin’ the road with Dierks, Shelton needed to do something with his free time!! Blake will be joined by the talented Easton Corbin and Jana Kramer throughout the tour! Stick with us for more details as they’re announced by following us on Twitter and Facebook! Ticket info is below!

Kenny Chesney New Album Release April 30

Kenny Chesney Will Release A New Album for 2013 On April 30! Just when I think things can’t get any more exciting, Kenny Chesney goes announces that he will be releasing a brand new album for 2013, the follow-up to his 2012 release, Welcome to the Fishbowl! Earlier this week Kenny added 28 dates to his 2013 No Shoes Nation Tour rounding it out to 101 dates total! That kicks off on March 16th, and the new album will release shortly after on April 30! This spring is really shaping out to be a big one for Chesney. The album title has yet to be decided, but check back with us regularly for updates! You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

American Idol Season 12 Premiere

Episode 1 Of American Idol Season 12: Recap! Last night was the premiere episode of American Idol Season 12. This go around there are three new judges, including country music’s own Keith Urban. The episode was two hours long, had auditions in New York City and only featured one country artist. Sarah Restuccio, 17, came from Hammonton, New Jersey. She first auditioned with Carrie Underwood‘s “Mama’s Song.” But when Randy Jackson asked her to sing something else, she shocked all judges with her second song. Restuccio began to rap (with her own twist) “Super Bass.” For those who don’t know, “Super Bass” is one of Nicki Minaj’s (also a new judge on season 12) biggest hits. The second song started a bit of a debate with all four of the judges. It made Urban question who she was as an artist, but had Minaj loving her even more. Minaj fully backed the young girl, saying that the boys would love her and that the girls could identify with her. She even said something along the lines of, there are plenty of girls working on a farm singing “Super Bass.” I do have to question if it had been a country song and any other pop/rap song that wasn’t one of her own, would Minaj be so quick to defend? We will never know, but one thing is for certain…she made it to Hollywood! At the end of the stop in NYC, 41 contestants moved on to the next round. A new episode will air tonight on Fox at 8/7c where the judges will search for more people to move on in Chicago. Catch Sarah’s Audition and See What YOU Think!